WHY to PRAY for PEACE and HOLD VIGIL for NUCLEAR ABOLITION at LIVERMORE?
Catholic Workers consider nuclear weapons development ENVIRONMENTAL TERRORISM for three reasons--the HAVOC experienced directly by sentient beings at the time of obliteration, the MESSAGE to others beyond the testing site of this terror for humans and others, and the SPIRITUAL IMPACT on the designers, politicians, employees, etc. planning for effective execution of nuclear weaponry, a.k.a. mega-violence.
The Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory LLNL), where the monthly vigils occur, was listed on the National Priorities List (AKA the
Superfund List) of the most contaminated sites in the country in 1987. The contamination includes
toxic poisons and radiation dumped into the air, soil and water. Children born in Livermore were found
to have 6 times the expected rate of malignant melanoma. Despite the impression given by LLNL's public relations
materials, the Lab's focus continues to be nuclear weapons R&D. Approximately 88% of LLNL's
current budget is spent on Nuclear Weapon Activities, about $1 billion annually. Trinity Nuclear Abolitionists believe this playing with poison fire is dangerous, foolish, wasteful and unbecoming of humanity because of the extreme need people have for spiritual fulfillment, peace, education and good health. More than 1600 LLNL employees have filed claims for illnesses caused by on the job exposures, and the number is growing.
LLNL was established in 1952 as one of our nation's two nuclear weapons research and design
laboratories, the other being Los Alamos established in 1943, made public in 1945.
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Last year's news:
NEWS: (French) Global Peace Fast
NEWS: Livermore Peace Fast
NEWS: Contra Costa Times
NEWS: Pacifica Radio
NEWS: San Jose Mercury
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good job, Mr. Zak
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